Ruling concerning a young lady who refuses marriage in order to finish her studies
Response: This practice goes against what the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) commanded. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:
((If one whose religion and character pleases you comes to you [for proposal], then marry him)).
The Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) also said:
((O youth, whoever of you has the means to get married should get married for it lowers the gaze and protects the chastity)).
By preventing marriage, one loses out on the benefits of marriage. I advise my brother Muslims who are the guardians of women and my sister Muslims not to keep from marriage due to finishing school or teaching. In fact, the woman may put a condition upon her husband that she may remain studying until she finishes her studies or she remain teaching for a year or two, given that she does not become busy with her children. There is no harm in such an act.
However, a matter which needs further consideration is where the woman is continuing her studies in an area that is not truly needed. In my view, when a woman finishes the elementary stages and has the ability to read and write, thereby being able to benefit from her knowledge through reading the Book of Allaah, its tafseer, the hadeeth of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and their explanation, that is all she really needs. Unless, of course, she is continuing her studies in an area that the people need, such as medicine and similar fields. This is also conditional that the study not involve aspects which are forbidden, such as mixing with men and so forth.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
Fataawa al-Mar.ah
http://www.fatwa-online.com/
Marriage comes first
My advice to all young men and young women is to get married quickly if the means to it are made possible for you.This is because the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) has said:
((O youthful people, if any of you have the means to, he should get married, as it lowers the eyesight and protects the private parts. Those who have not the ability to do so should fast, as it will be a shield for him)). This was recorded by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim.
The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) also said:
((If one whose religion and character pleases you proposes to you, you should marry him. If you do not do so, them will be tribulations in the land and great evil)). This was recorded by at-Tirmidhee with a hasan chain.
The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) also said:
((Marry the child-bearing, loving woman for I shall outnumber the peoples by you on the Day of Resurrection)). This was recorded by Ahmad and graded Saheeh by ibn Hibban.
Therefore, there are many benefits to marriage which the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) alluded to, including lowering the gaze, protecting the private parts, increasing the numbers of the Muslim Nation and being saved from great evil and misfortune.
May Allaah grant to all what is best for their religion and worldly lives. He is All-Hearing, Close.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Fataawa al-Mar.ah
